In the evolving landscape of sustainable textiles, agrobusiness is playing a pivotal role in blending innovation with eco-conscious production. A new hemp-wool textile blend is setting new benchmarks in durability, breathability, and environmental responsibility. Kanika Sood is leading the charge in reimagining textiles. A social entrepreneur and sustainability educator, Kanika has dedicated her career to creating business opportunities that blend agrobusiness with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Her latest venture, Vijya Wellness and Biosciences, co-founded with Dr. Kshipra Misra a scientist formerly with DRDO’s DIPAS—is pushing boundaries in the hemp and cannabis industry. This high-performance material is ideal for high-altitude defense wear, performance apparel, and functional textiles. By integrating hemp—a resource-efficient crop—with traditional wool, this fabric represents the future of responsible fashion and utility wear.
With a background in marketing, merchandising, and sustainable production from Nottingham Trent University, UK, Kanika has spent over a decade working at the grassroots level to harness the potential of wool, hemp, and alternative fibers. Now, she’s at the forefront of an exciting innovation: developing a hemp-wool blend in partnership with the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA).
Also read: Hemp is More Than a Plant
A Game-Changer for Textiles: The Hemp-Wool Blend
This innovative blend isn’t just another sustainable fabric—it is a step towards revolutionizing the textile industry. With naturally anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, the fabric is well-suited for extreme climates and sensitive skin. Compared to traditional wool, it is stronger and more breathable, ensuring greater durability and comfort. Additionally, the blend significantly lowers environmental impact by reducing water consumption, chemical treatments, and textile waste.
Health and Performance Benefits
Beyond its sustainability, this fabric offers notable health and performance benefits. It provides UV protection, minimizing sun damage while enhancing cooling and breathability to prevent overheating. Additionally, it has the potential to offer electromagnetic field (EMF) shielding, helping sensitive individuals reduce exposure to electronic radiation. With its natural UV resistance, this fabric is perfect for outdoor and performance wear, making it a preferred choice for adventure enthusiasts and professionals requiring high-performance textiles.
Speaking about the potential of hemp in textile evolution, Kanika stated, “We are bridging the gap between sustainability and high-performance textiles. Hemp and wool together create a material that is not just eco-friendly but also exceptionally functional for modern needs. This is the future of responsible fashion and utility wear.”
Preserving India’s Wool Heritage
In addition to material innovation, efforts are underway to support India’s wool industry by securing a Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Himachali wool. This initiative aims to provide local wool producers with fair recognition and market access. A structured framework, the Wool Shepherd’s Sustainable Development & Training Program, has been introduced to:
- Train shepherds and artisans in ethical wool processing and branding.
- Develop region-specific frameworks adaptable to different wool-producing regions.
- Collaborate with the Wool Research Association (WRA) and government bodies to build sustainable wool ecosystems.
“Wool has an incredible legacy in India, yet it remains underutilized in its purest form. Through sustainable frameworks, certification, and skill development, we are ensuring that wool production becomes both commercially viable and environmentally responsible,” explains Kanika.
A Vision for Sustainable Agrobusiness
By bridging scientific research with industrial applications and artisan craftsmanship, agrobusiness is ensuring that the future of textiles is not only cutting-edge but also ethical and community-driven. Sustainability is no longer a trend—it is a necessity. The development of innovative materials and structured frameworks is essential to fostering a textile industry that benefits businesses, protects the environment, and uplifts the communities behind these industries.
By integrating scientific research, industrial advancements, and the preservation of artisan crafts, Kanika is reshaping the textile industry while ensuring it remains fair, sustainable, and innovative. “Sustainability is no longer a trend—it is a necessity. My goal is to create materials, systems, and frameworks that not only benefit businesses but also protect the environment and uplift the communities behind these industries,” she adds.
With an emphasis on responsible sourcing, sustainable production, and technological advancements, hemp-wool textiles are paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly fashion industry.